Best Vlogging Cameras for Youtube of 2017 – Top 15 Models for Every Needs

Looking for a good vlogging camera to start your own video blog on YouTube? Depending on the topic of your vlog, you may need a specific video camera to get the expected results. Below you will find the top 15 best vlogging cameras for YouTube that’s not only suitable for every niche, but also offer stellar video quality.

Over the last few years, video-blogging has been getting a whole lot of attention. It’s no longer a secret that top vloggers that have millions of subscribers on YouTube make a good chunk of money every year, prompting many people to start their own vlog. What was once just a hobby and a medium to have a good time quickly turns into a dependable career. The best of it all, you really don’t need to have any specifications or meet certain requirements to be successful in vlogging. Sure, some specific vlogging tips and tricks will help, but generally you just have to be original. Additionally, you’re going to need a good video camera for YouTube.

Since there are literally limitless of camera options out there, you can’t just rush out and buy one on a whim. At the very least, you need to consider some basic stuff which largely include, your budget and the type of vlog you want to create on YouTube. You also need to look at the video and audio quality, the ease of use, the battery life, and perhaps the portability of the camera. To make things simple, I’ve covered 15 popular cameras that can be a good option for vlogging on YouTube. Check them out!

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V – Editor’s Choice

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V is the latest member of Sony’x RX100 camera series. I’ve previously listed it as one of the best 4K-capable cameras for the money and now it’s become my go-to camera for filming YouTube videos for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s a point-and-shoot digital camera, so obviously it offers intuitive controls and fast operation. Needless to say, its compact size also offers great portability. If you’re going to move a lot or if you’re a travel vlogger, this can be an ideal camera for you. Of course, you’re going to need an external microphone if you want to record the audio too. This is the case with all vlogging cameras (more about it later).

Despite its small size, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V is laden with features, so many I can spend all day laying them all out for you. So, let me just focus on the ones that can help you get a professional looking video. As I mentioned before, this camera can capture 4K UHD videos at 30fps, although it can only do so for only 5 minutes. Unlike other 4K-capable cameras, the Ultra HD footage is created by oversampling all the pixels captured by the camera’s sensor. The result will blow you away as it’s on par with professional video cameras that can cost easily ten times of its worth.

Supporting features for video recording such as focus peaking and zebra patterning are also available on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V. In fact, you get to access the camera’s S-Log2 gamma profile to extend its dynamic range capture. For high speed actions, you’re going to be thrilled to find that it can record footage at up to 1,000 frames per second. The maximum duration for that mode is only 8 seconds to prevent overheating. Too short, you say? Well, 8-second video shot at such a staggering frame rate can last more than 5 minutes if you slow it down up to 40 times. With such feature, you can make the most amazing slow-motion video on YouTube. Only thing that might draw you away from this camera is probably its steep pricing.

Canon EOS 70D

If you’re visiting YouTube regularly, chance is you know this guy called Casey Neistat. He’s pretty famous, having more than 7 million subscribers. And do you know what camera he uses to create an engaging video for his YouTube vlog? It’s Canon EOS 70D. Aside from him, some other popular vloggers like Zoella also use this camera, which should tell you enough that this HD-DSLR shooter works brilliantly. Featuring a 20MP CMOS sensor with ISO range up to 12800, this camera works very well in filming every moment in every condition, even in dim lighted setting. Its large sensor can capture huge amount of pixels, giving you enough space to do various editing confidently from cropping to enlarging.

Canon EOS 70D is also equipped with entirely new autofocus system, which is going to help you a lot when recording a video. The phase detection autofocus it comes with is much more superior than the contrast-detect AF used by competitors. Every transition in your footage will look very smooth with none of that jerkiness that’s prevalent when you record using contrast-detect AF. It has a built-in Wi-Fi for easier and faster file transfer. You’ll also appreciate its fully articulated touchscreen as it lets you monitor your recording from any angle. For extended shooting, the camera can automatically split the file without interrupting your recording. You can record videos in full HD 1080p resolution at 30/24fps or 720p at 60/50fps.

Canon PowerShot G7 X

Another point-and-shoot camera in this list is Canon PowerShot G7 X. It’s one of the most popular cameras among YouTubers. Don’t believe me, you can ask well-known vloggers such as Andrea Russett, FaZe Rain, Pointless BlogVlogs, iJustine, and MarkE Miller. All of them use this simple and basic camera that costs you a little over 600 bucks. As a digital pocket camera, you can’t change its lens as you normally would with DSLR or mirrorless camera. However, its large 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor can capture images with great detail even when light intensity is high. Besides, its fixed lens is not all that bad. It still allows for up to 4.2x optical zoom.

Canon PowerShot G7 X is equipped with DIGIC 6 image processor that enables the camera to produce great image quality when recording in 1080p FHD resolution. Maximum frame rate is 60fps, which is smooth enough for digital playback. If you want to get a more cinematic look with 24p frame rate, choose the upgraded version of this camera, Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II. The price gap is not very huge, anyway. Both of them don’t have any ports for external microphone and headphone, though, which is to be expected given that they’re a compact camera. So, if audio means a lot for you, try to pick up a lapel-mounted mic as well.

Canon EOS T6i

There’s one well-known YouTube vlogger that I know is using Canon EOS T6i. It’s Lohanthony. The camera’s lightweight construction and its ease of use have been the deciding factor for him to choose this over anything else. However, the EOS T6i is more than just that. It brings forth the power of 24MP CMOS sensor that can capture images with perfect balance of depth and beauty. High ISO sensitivity handles lighting well while DIGIC 6 Image Processor helps improve the camera’s overall performance in low light settings. Noise and distortion during dim light recording are eased out reasonably and you can save the video in very friendly and usable format, that is MP4.

Full HD is the highest video resolution that Canon EOS T6i can record with frame rate options of 30p, 25p, and 24p. If you want to record fast moving object at higher frame rate (60p and 50p), you need to scale down the resolution to 720p. The improved hybrid AF system will help you focus on moving object while recording. For smoother focus transition, you might need to use the company’s STM lenses, which naturally come at a price. Canon claims that it has also equipped the camera with wind noise elimination feature, but I don’t see it assist you to get an acceptable audio quality unless you throw an external microphone to the bag.

Panasonic Lumix G85

If you want an interchangeable lens camera that’s not as bulky as typical DSLRs, you should take a look at Panasonic Lumix G85. It’s a mirrorless camera powered by 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and 5-axis optical image stabilization. Wrapped in a weather-sealed body that’s splash-proof and dustproof, this can be a perfect camera if you’re going to film outdoor videos frequently. On its highest setting, the camera is capable of capturing brilliantly crisp footage in true 4K resolution. You get to choose whether to use 30p frame rate (best for digital playback) or 24p (best for more cinematic look). Full HD resolution is available as well at frame rate of 60p. It’s the best option if you don’t want your storage to be filled up too quickly.

The in-camera image stabilization on Panasonic Lumix G85 works in all photo and video modes, even in 4K, which is not something you can find in any camera. It will help you a lot in a situation where you have to film your YouTube video without a tripod or handheld gimbal. The camera can stabilize the optic on itself even when you move a lot. The camera uses contrast-detect AF system to focus its sensor, which doesn’t work as fast as the phase-detect AF or the hybrid AF system. You should remember it when you do your recording, especially if the object is moving toward or away from the camera. An optional grip is available for a price. You should consider it if you’ll be recording for an extended period because the grip lets you use two batteries simultaneously.

Canon EOS T5i

Do you know a beauty and comedy vlog on YouTube called MyLifeAsEva? The vlogger that owns the channel uses Canon EOS T4i to create her videos. Now I don’t include the camera in this list, but in place of that, I feature its more sophisticated version, the EOS Rebel T5i. As far as the outward appearance is concerned, it looks identical to the EOS T4i. Heck, the specifications of both cameras almost bear no differences at all, except for one thing: the lens. Canon EOS T5i comes with the better 18-55mm STM kit lens. The lens has an advanced stepping motor that can enhance the camera’s autofocus speed dramatically.

With a refined AF system, Canon EOS T5i is the more viable option for vlogging on YouTube, especially if you’re an action or sport vlogger. The faster autofocus speed allows the lens to keep track on a moving object better, making your footage look more professional. However, if you’re going to be somewhat stationary during filming your YouTube videos, then you should get the EOS T4i and save more money. Both cameras are equipped with 18MP CMOS sensor capable of capturing decent full HD videos at 30, 25, and 24fps. Both of them also benefit from having a fully articulating 3-inch LCD touchscreen. You can monitor your recording easily, despite your position.

Canon EOS 80D

Canon EOS 80D is a highly capable mid-range SLR camera that can easily put the likes of EOS 70D and Nikon D7100 into a shame box. The price difference from the EOS 70D is quite noticeable, but if you want to invest a little more, you’ll likely wind up happier with how your YouTube videos look. Also, a famous beauty and fashion vlogger, Aspyn Ovard (over 3 million subscribers) uses this camera too. What I’m trying to say is you really need not question is performance as a vlogging camera. As for its ease of use, you’ll be happy to know that it offers video creation in MP4 format; no more dealing with lengthy converting process. Just push the button, edit it if you wish so, or upload it right away.

In contrast to the 70D’s 20-megapixel sensor, Canon EOS 80D sports 24-megapixel CMOS sensor. It also has higher ISO range. Mix these two features together, and you’ll get a camera that performs greatly in low light environment. Its wider dynamic range and color depth also enables you to capture more vivid images when you’re shooting in bright sunlight. For fun video making, you can try the Video Snapshot mode that allows you to record a series of short footage (1-2 seconds long) and combine them together to make an amusing video. Additionally, you can also try the time-lapse mode. External microphone port is available as well as headphone port for easy audio monitoring. Canon EOS 80D is a complete package for YouTube vloggers.

Panasonic Lumix LX10

Another fantastic point-and-shoot camera for vlogging on YouTube is Panasonic Lumix LX10. One major selling point it has over the pricier Canon’s DSLR cameras is its ability to record in true 4K UHD resolution. Its 20MP MOS sensor is backed up by high sensitivity Venus Engine with max ISO 12800, making it possible to capture 4K footage with stunning image quality. You may argue, “who needs 4K when full HD video looks good enough?” Well, there’s nothing wrong about that but recording in 4K gives you more room to make rather radical editing on the video (cropping, for instance) without making it pixelated. Speaking of cropping, you can do it right on the camera itself. How convenient is that!

The internal image stabilization in Panasonic Lumix LX10 also works very well. It allows you to get as close as 3cm (30cm in telephoto) to the object you’re filming without worrying about getting shaky footage that can make you seasick. High speed recording is possible up to 120fps in full HD resolution. Such a mode makes a very eye-catching slow-mo video. Capturing still images of a fast-moving action is very easy using the 4K Photo mode. In this mode, the camera will record short footage in 4K at 30fps. Once done, you can extract all or the selected stills. This can be handy when you’re creating an attention-grabbing thumb for your YouTube videos.

Best Vlogging Cameras for YouTube under $500

Nikon D3300

Nikon 3300 is arguably the most popular entry-level DSLR camera. Three years it has been since its release, and yet not many cameras can outperform it when it comes to value for money. For its price, it’s just almost unbelievable that this camera has a very large sensor (24MP CMOS DX-format). If you scour the camera market, you will find that many DSLRs with higher price tag still feature 18MP sensor. Its internal image processor is also not to be taken lightly. The Expeed 4 is a powerful image processing system that’s given to Nikon’s top-tier cameras. It enables the camera to maintain its focus while performing rapid burst shooting and to handle color degradation at higher ISO settings.

Plenty of video features are squeezed into Nikon D3300 as well. Full HD recording is not only limited to common frame rate of 30fps, but also 60 and 50fps. It’s useful when you’re capturing high speed actions as it gives you more natural-looking motion. Lower resolution recording is also available to help you save more space on your card. With each resolution, you get to choose whether to record in “High” or “Normal” quality. The latter lets you record for longer duration. Just to give you the idea, “High” recording in 1080p/60fps is only possible up to 10 minutes. There’s a microphone port to refine the audio, but you can’t keep tabs on it since it has no headphone port. Its LCD display is not a touchscreen and it can’t swivel around.

Canon EOS Rebel T6

The EOS Rebel T6 is Canon’s best selling low-tier DSLR camera, released to take the position of the EOS T5 which has been quite outdated. Do not confuse it with the more sophisticated EOS T6i because in between the two cameras, there’s a set of stark differences. By no means am I saying that the EOS T6 is bad. This camera is good in its own right. If you’ve been recording your videos using your smartphone camera, this inexpensive DSLR can provide a smooth transition before you upgrade to a more serious model. It’s very straightforward, offers good connectivity options (Wi-Fi and NFC), and has powerful image processor (Digic 4+, used on many other Canon’s high-end cameras).

On the inside, Canon EOS Rebel T6 features an 18MP CMOS sensor with max native ISO up to 6400. The 3-inch LCD display on the back is not a touchscreen. Don’t even think about tilting or flipping it out because it’s fixed. Highest supported resolution for video is 1080p at 30fps. You’ll be backed with a very basic 9-point AF system with only one cross-type point at the center. The camera will struggle on focusing if you have too many objects within the frame you’re recording. Other than that, it’s working fine. Color reproduction is surprisingly good and the images look very neutral. It has no built-in anti-alias filter though, so if you notice that common Moiré effects, you need to turn down the sharpness level manually.

Sony Cyber-Shot RX100

Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 is the first and oldest member of the company’s world-famous RX100 digital camera series. Don’t let its compact size fool you. This little guy is equipped with a large 20MP Exmor CMOS sensor and also 28-100mm lens capable of 3.6x optical zoom. With such compelling combination, getting a stunning image quality with accurate precision on details is not so tough. Its internal noise reduction system helps with the camera’s overall performance in low light situations, despite the not-so-impressive native ISO range. On a very bright day with intense sunlight, the T* coating on its lens minimizes flare.

Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 is also a solid tool for vlogging. The camera can capture full HD footage at an outstanding rate of 60fps. Most of the camera’s functions intended for photography such as optical zoom, autofocus, and image stabilization are also accessible for video recording. There’s a control ring around the lens to help you adjust the exposure manually, making full use of the extended ISO for low light shooting with ease. A stereo microphone is available on the top panel and you get to activate wind noise filter too. Still, I would highly recommend using a lapel-mounted mic during filming. On-board editing features are quite comprehensive. It has many tools you can have fun experimenting; background defocusing tool, for example, lets you blur the background and focus more on the main subject.

Best Vlogging Cameras for YouTube under $300

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS is a tad too big for a point-and-shoot camera. It’s not really pocket-sized and looks more like a mirrorless model than typical digital camera. Still, I believe you can easily overlook it once you know that it’s a superzoom, a camera capable of performing optical zoom up to more than 50 times. Some of you may concern about the image quality when it uses its max zoom, but rest assured. The camera is aided by an excellent 16MP CMOS sensor and magnificent optical stabilization system, ensuring the results to remain crisp and sharp. Autofocus speed does drop a little when the lens is set at max zoom. For a completely blurred object at a far away distance, the camera takes about 2 seconds to lock it and bring it to life.

All videos recorded with Canon PowerShot SX530 HS are saved in MP4 format for quick sharing and uploading. The highest resolution you can select is 1080p at 30fps. Zooming function is still entirely usable in recording mode. However, you might want to tread it a little more carefully because zooming in too fast on an object might prove to be too much for the internal stabilization system to handle. You’ll likely see a wobbling effect on your footage as a result. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, NFC, HDMI, and mini USB port. The best thing however, this great camera has undergone quite a significant price drop over the last couple of years. Now you can snatch it for less than 300 bucks.

Nikon Coolpix B500

A close competitor to Canon’s superzoom camera is Nikon Coolpix B500. It’s a long zoom camera by Nikon with 16MP CMOS sensor capable up to 40x optical zoom. If the object you’re trying to capture is further away than the available zoom can reach, you can use Nikon’s dynamic fine zoom feature (up to 80x). Just don’t use it too much because digital zoom is known to be quite notorious for dropping the image quality. The camera has no manual control, which should come naturally considering it’s a budget digital camera. Still, if it’s the white balance or ISO sensitivity that you want to change, then you can do it min the camera’s automatic mode.

Just like Canon PowerShot SX530, Nikon Coolpix B500 is also capable of capturing full HD video at normal rate of 30fps. There’s a dedicated button to activate the recording mode. Optical zoom can still be used when you’re capturing videos, but keep in mind that the more zooming you use, the longer it takes for the camera to focus. Additionally, lens noise become more apparent as you increase the zoom. As for audio, it’s handled by the built-in stereo microphones. While the screen is not fully articulating, you can still tilt it up and down to compose your shot with more ease. It’s not a touchscreen but I’m happy to find that it remains bright even under direct sunlight.

Sony HDR-CX405

If you’re only interested to record decent HD videos for your YouTube vlog and can forget about getting a few nice still images, you might want to opt for a camcorder. Among the most popular one at entry-level price range is Sony HDR-CX405. Obviously, it has very few – if not nothing at all – bells and whistles that may make your life as a vlogger easier. No Wi-Fi, no port for an external microphone, let alone for a headphone, and no touchscreen (only regular 2.7-inch LCD display). Good news is the essentials remain intact in this camcorder. With the 9MP Exmor CMOS sensor, you can still capture a high quality video in 1080p at up to 60fps.

Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilization is also on board. That means, you won’t get any shaky footage even when you don’t mount the camcorder on a tripod. That is as long as you don’t move a lot or use too much zooming. Speaking of zooming, Sony HDR-CX405 is equipped with 26.8mm wide angle lens capable of performing up to 30x optical zoom. The number doubles if you choose to use the digital zoom, but I wouldn’t count on it. Always trust the optical zoom! There’s almost nothing to experiment with in this compact camcorder, except for the Intelligent Auto presets that allow you to choose from up to 60 different preset settings for different situations.

Best Vlogging Camera for Youtube under $200

Onshowy Camcorder

There aren’t too many options in this price range, but if you don’t mind working with a China-made product, you may get yourself a solid alternative to the more expensive vlogging cameras from respectable brands. The Onshowy Camcorder, for example. It may come from an unheralded Chinese company, but it can be a good camera for beginner vloggers who are still not sure about making a couple of hundred dollars investment upfront. Out of the box, the camera can record full HD video at acceptable rate of 15fps. If you’re willing to lower the resolution to 720p, you’ll be able to capture footage at 30fps, giving you more natural-looking motion.

Onshowy Camcorder has a very small 5MP CMOS sensor, supporting 16x digital zoom. The basic AF system it comes with enable the sensor to quickly recognize a face and focus on it. It doesn’t have a built-in Wi-Fi, so you have to tether it to your computer via mini USB cable to transfer the files. Surprisingly, it does offer an HDMI output. Unboxing the camcorder, you will find two batteries with a microphone that you can attach at the top of the camera. An SD card is not included, so make sure you purchase it too. Additionally, this camcorder has no internal image stabilization or whatsoever, so you might also want to consider buying a tripod to get a more steady video.

How to Choose the Best Vlogging Camera for Youtube

To answer the question which camera is the best one to help you in vlogging, you need to ask yourself first: “What kind of vlog do I want to create?” If your YouTube channel is going to mainly feature your travel story, then you may want a compact portable camera that’s lightweight enough to be carried everywhere with ease. You want it to have at least a set of decent specifications that allow you to highlight the local attractions in amazing videos.

If your vlog is going to focus on beauty tips, you will want a camera that can deliver superb image quality with accurate color reproduction. In this case, a camera with fantastic autofocus system can significantly help you be more precise when filming your videos. Audio features must be taken seriously as well, since you will likely talk in the entire length of your video, giving instructions on how to achieve a certain look with certain makeup technique and whatnot.

If you want to follow the course of the Shaytards and become a family vlogger yourself, a lightweight camera with outstanding image stabilization will help you a lot in many situations. I imagine typical family vloggers rarely use a tripod to film their YouTube videos because they’re constantly on the move. Thus, the camera must be held by hand. That’s why a compact camera with great ergonomics can do the trick. And since they move a lot, a well-performing internal image stabilization is crucial to the overall quality of the video.

Want to film your outdoor family excursion and perhaps get a little rough in the process? Then you must consider bringing one good action camera. Action cameras have the advantage of being tiny and rugged. And thanks to the advancement of their technology over the last couple of years, now they can deliver similar image and video quality as many mid-range cameras do. With such a camera, you don’t need to think twice to take it down underwater.

DSLR Vs. Mirrorless Vs. Digital Cameras

Once you decide the type of vlog you want to manage on your YouTube channel, you may find a few cameras that suit your needs. These cameras may be of different types and now you’re wondering again, which one to choose.

DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer the same level of versatility, thanks to the countless stock of interchangeable lenses. With DSLR, however, you get to enjoy generally better low light performance and access to various manual controls. They do come at an expense, though. Bigger size, higher price tag, and steep learning curve are the few things you have to be prepared for if you do choose a DSLR camera.

Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, are more lightweight. Depending on the sensor size and ISO range, they may also perform quite well in darker environment. Manual controls are provided to some extent but they might not be as comprehensive as those in DSLRs. Many more people are liking this type of camera not just because they’re easy to use, but also deliver terrific results.

In the past, digital cameras were considered to be too lousy for any serious use, but today, I dare you not. Point-and-shoot technology has improved so much that a compact camera can now be on par with much bulkier DSLR in terms of image quality. For filming YouTube videos, the only thing that might not please you is probably the absence of ports for external microphone and headphone. Their compact body makes it impossible to equip them with ports for external accessories. But then again, some DSLRs and mirrorless cameras also don’t have any of that.

Use Microphone to Enhance Your Audio

Blue Yeti USB microphone best used when you’re vlogging behind a desk

For the majority of vloggers on YouTube, audio quality is of the same importance as video quality. Unfortunately, even though many manufacturers claim that their cameras have built-in stereo mics, their quality is often less than acceptable. What I’m saying is if audio quality does mean a lot for you, consider getting one of these best microphone for YouTube. Lapel mics work well if you’re using a point-and-shoot camera. As you know, this type of cameras doesn’t offer a port for external mic, so you just have to make a do with a small wearable microphone.

If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera and it happens to have a microphone port, you can use the hot-shoe mounted shotgun mic. It’s more expensive than lapel mic and makes your camera heavier. However, it works great in emphasizing your voice while at the same time isolating the noise in the background. You will get better audio clarity and may well attract more people to subscribe on your YouTube channel.

For those of you who are mostly seated when filming your videos (beauty, gaming, and dashboard vloggers), consider buying a USB condenser mic. This type of microphone is best used in a controlled setting where there isn’t much background noise. You can put it on an empty space on your desk, so it won’t obstruct the camera. Depending on the model you choose, this type of microphone can set you back from measly tens of dollars to well over a hundred.

Make the Most of Your Budget

Spending all your budget on just the camera is not a smart move to start your vlogging career. If all you have in your bank is $1,000, it’s best to buy a camera that costs no more than $800. You can use the rest to buy other necessities. To save your time, you can simply choose to buy your favorite camera with a video creator kit bundle. In these days, it’s not so hard to find a popular camera sold in bundle with a set of various accessories.

If your luck is rotten and you can’t seem to find a video creator kit bundle sold with the camera you want, make sure you buy the following essentials:

Zoom lens

Microphone

Memory card (SD / SDHC / SDXC)

Camera case / backpack

Tripod

Professional video editing software (if you don’t have any)

Filter kit

Cleaning kit

If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, buying the optional grip may prove to be useful as it improves both the camera’s ergonomics and battery life. Flash or lighting kit may also be handy if you shoot in low light settings frequently.

Hey there, I do include Canon G7X which is essentially the same camera as its next iteration. Only difference is that G7X Mark II comes with newer processor making it faster in burst mode, which is not really necessary for vlogging.

GALLERY

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